In this review, we will be comparing Varro PS500-BK and KUBE 8b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from ELAC and KEF. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of ELAC Varro PS500-BK and KEF KUBE 8b first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the ELAC Varro PS500-BK and KEF KUBE 8b compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both ELAC Varro PS500-BKand KEF KUBE 8b have a single woofer setup however the ELAC Varro PS500-BK's woofer is 15-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 8b features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Varro PS500-BK has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz whereas KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the Varro PS500-BK can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the KUBE 8b's min frequency of 34Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The ELAC Varro PS500-BK has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs. On the other hand the KEF KUBE 8b have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported designs.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare ELAC Varro PS500-BK's and KEF KUBE 8b's external dimensions. ELAC Varro PS500-BK has external dimensions of 482.0 x 461.0 x 461.0mm ( 18-15/16inch x 18-1/8inch x 18-1/8inch ) whereas KEF KUBE 8b has external dimensions of 294.0 x 296.0 x 339.0mm ( 11-9/16 x 11-5/8 x 13-5/16inch) .
ELAC Varro PS500-BK is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 165mm wider, 188mm taller and 122mm deeper than KEF KUBE 8b.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro PS500-BK and KEF KUBE 8b in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro PS500-BK and KEF KUBE 8b Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the ELAC Varro PS500-BK is approximately 2125.2cm2 / 329.4inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2. The Varro PS500-BK requires 112% more surface area than the KUBE 8b which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The ELAC Varro PS500-BK weighs 25.95kg / 57.1lbs and the KEF KUBE 8b weighs 11.36kg / 25lbs. This makes the Varro PS500-BK 128% heavier than the KUBE 8b.
Here is a comparison of how Varro PS500-BK and KUBE 8b's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Varro PS500-BK?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro PS500-BK:
Grill Power Cord 4 Spikes
What's in the Box of KEF KUBE 8b?
Here are the items that come with the KUBE 8b:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
294mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1003cm2 (296x339mm)
vs
2125cm2 (461x461mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Varro PS500-BK |
KEF KUBE 8b |
| Brand |
ELAC |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-150 Hz |
34-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1000-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Not given |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-140 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
482.0mm (19") |
294.0mm (11.6") |
| Width |
461.0mm (18.1") |
296.0mm (11.7") |
| Depth |
461.0mm (18.1") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
25.95kg (57.1lbs) |
11.36kg (25lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
2 Years |